Zach Dean's The Gorge blends romance, action, survival horror, and a hint of science fiction to create an exciting and enjoyable popcorn film that is just a bit too sanitized to be frightening but creative enough to make you want to spend a little more time in its grim world. The Gorge is a smooth genre mashup that rarely delves into its fascinating premise but never stops being a blast thanks to the lively, dynamic energy between its two characters and the constant tempo that propels it forward.
As an American and a Lithuanian (employed by Moscow) agent are assigned to guard the namesake gorge from the comfort of reinforced towers on opposite sides, the main enigma surrounding The Gorge is established right away. Although the contents of the gorge are yet unknown, nobody wants to know. Miles Teller's character, Levi Kane, an American, is a gloomy man who has little left to live for and much less motivation to support his nation. However, because of his military prowess and lack of attachments, he is dispatched to the gorge after being screened by Bartholomew (Sigourney Weaver, who might as well not be in the film other than to lend a little gravity to a small character). Meanwhile, Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy), a Lithuanian soldier hired by Moscow to keep an eye on the other side of the gorge, is fresh off an assassination.
Although she isn't the most complex character, Taylor-Joy makes the character likable by giving her a sense of jollity that goes beyond the murderer inside. This is true even though her function is limited to being a love interest who is also a skilled shooter.
The unexpected aspect of The Gorge Flixtor is the amount of work that goes into fostering a relationship between Levi and Drasa. Although the majority of their relationship is based on boredom, there is chemistry between the two as Levi shares his previous sniper kills due to Drasa's competitive nature, and they bond by being just barely broken enough to be content to live alone.
Teller and Taylor-Joy sell the connection because the screenplay gives them enough time to get to know one another, even though the characters themselves don't have much depth. As the two discover new methods to engage without violating the rule of speaking with the other side, it makes for a tidy little hangout movie that feels like the end of the world is looming beneath them.
